Whether you’re the groom, a groomsman or attending as a guest, mastering wedding attire is about more than just wearing a suit. Learn the sartorial rules, fabric choices, styling details and subtle cues that elevate men’s wedding dressing from average to exceptional – from black-tie tuxedos to Italian lounge suits and guest-appropriate ensembles.

The groom: black-tie done right

At first glance, black-tie can look like a uniform – but within its time-honoured rules there’s plenty of room to express your unmistakeable personal style. A tuxedo (the cornerstone of black-tie attire) is defined by satin or grosgrain lapels, a formal dress shirt and matching trousers with satin-striped outseams. It’s the embodiment of evening elegance and traditionally worn after 6pm. For weddings, black-tie is perfectly acceptable during daylight hours, although morning dress (tails) is the more formal, traditional alternative.

Shawl lapels offer graceful curves while formal peak lapels convey authority. Choose a style that suits your ceremony, venue and personal taste – one perfectly tailored tux is all you need. Style yours with polished leather oxford shoes and a crisp white pocket square; skip the boutonnière if you prefer clean, modern lines.

The magic of black-tie lies in fit, proportion and subtlety – focus on shoulder structure, lapel width and pocket styling to elevate the look from appropriate to unforgettable.

Wedding party: Italian suits with subtle style

For best men, groomsmen or fathers of the groom and bride, wedding party style is about cohesion, not uniformity.

Lounge suits made from the finest Italian-crafted fabrics – like a navy single-breasted style with wide notch lapels, or a muted-sage double-breasted take with jetted pockets – combine tradition with modern elegance.

We styled our navy suit with black tasselled loafers to show how a simple shoe choice can elevate a look. Accessories like silk ties with timeless medallion patterns, tonal shirts and pocket squares let you inject personality into suiting while remaining visually coordinated.

The key here is harmony and fit – shoulder structure, lapel type and fabric choices communicate sophistication while making sure the groom remains the visual anchor of the day.

Giving the small details extra thought makes a big difference in achieving an intentional aesthetic, so pay attention to tie width, pocket square folds and even sock colours.

Wedding guests: understated but sharp

For wedding guests, the goal is to be smart, stylish and respectful of the occasion without being overdressed.

A light brown fil-à-fil blazer teamed with a notch-neck polo and ivory linen trousers is a fast-track solution to relaxed elegance. A double-breasted suit in midnight-blue paired with a striped shirt offers another route to looking on point as a guest – note how leaving the first few shirt buttons unfastened understates the outfit.

Peak lapels, crisp pleats and polished shoes signal attention to detail, while layering and an intentional approach to palette maintain visual balance. Our advice is to keep looks to just three colours at most – trust us, it works every time.

Accessories like pocket squares, ties and classic watches can provide personality without stealing focus. Understanding the difference between casual, cocktail and formal dress codes will help you nail the brief with intention, so always double check your invite!